Getting to know the Nigerien youth better... in order to better support them!

The launch of MédiaSahel activities in Niger, and more specifically in the region of Tillabéri, called for a better understanding of the local linguistic and media ecosystems.

A study was carried out in the towns of Ayorou, Ouallam and Filingué (Tillabéri region) by a Nigerien expert who was familiar with the area. He went to speak to young men and women, selected based on representativeness criteria.

These discussions were a great success: everyone expressed their frustrations and desires regarding the way in which the media handles topics concerning young people. They expressed their desire to have a louder voice in the media and to see coverage of more topics related to their concerns.

Focus group held in February 2019, at Radio MURIYA TALAKA,
Filingué commune, Tillabéri region (Niger).
@crédit Abdoulaye Boureima Touré

Mapping of the region’s radio stations and online media outlets was carried out and the programmes, formats and languages that are most popular among the young people listed. This study has also allowed more insight to be gained into the needs and constraints of the different radio stations involved.

Focus group held in February 2019, at Radio BAAROU,
Ouallam commune, Tillabéri region (Niger).
@crédit Abdoulaye Boureima Touré

The conclusions of this focus group confirm the importance of MédiaSehal’s mission: to encourage young people to take ownership of information and to support radio stations in including young people more in the process of creating their content. These results will allow MédiaSahel to fine-tune its activities and better adapt them to local needs.

Photo taken during the focus group at Radio MURIYA TALAKA,
Filingué commune.
@crédit Abdoulaye Boureima Touré